Using data analysis to connect merchants

ABSTRACT

Techniques and arrangements for performing data analysis in order to generate connections between merchants. For instance, a payment service may determine, based at least in part on transaction information, that a first customer conducted a first transaction at a first merchant followed a subsequent transaction at a second merchant. The payment service may further determine that a second customer conducted a second transaction at the first merchant followed by a subsequent transaction at a third merchant, Based on transaction information associated with the first transaction and the second transaction, the payment service may create a buyer profile including the first customer and second customer. Upon the payment service receiving a request to process a third transaction between the first merchant and the second customer, the payment service can generate a recommendation that the second customer conduct a subsequent transaction to the third transaction at the second merchant rather than the third merchant. The payment service can then send a electronic communication that includes the recommendation to the first merchant or the second customer.

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of and claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/383,891, filed Dec. 19, 2016 andentitled “USING DATA ANALYSIS TO CONNECT MERCHANTS,” the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Merchants may conduct transactions for items and services withcustomers. To conduct a transaction with a customer, a merchant can usea point-of-sale (POS) device to receive payment from the customer, suchas in the form of a payment instrument, and process the paymentinstrument for a cost of the transaction using a payment system. Themerchant can then use the POS device to generate a receipt for thecustomer. The receipt can include a digital receipt that the POS devicesends the customer via contact information of the customer, such as anemail address of the customer. The customer can provide the merchantwith the contact information at a time of the transaction.

After processing the transaction with the merchant, the payment servicemay later receive another request to authorize the payment instrumentfor a transaction between an additional merchant and the customer. Forinstance, the customer may have a routine in which the customer conductsa transaction with the merchant followed by conducting a subsequenttransaction with the additional merchant. This routine performed by thecustomer may be based on products and/or services that are provided byeach of the two merchants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures, in which the left-most digit of a reference number identifiesthe figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of thesame reference numbers in the same or different figures indicatessimilar or identical items or features.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system that utilizes data analysis togenerate connections between merchants.

FIG. 2 is an example illustration of a merchant device providing arecommendation to a customer.

FIG. 3 is an example illustration of a customer device providing arecommendation to a customer.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a flow diagram of an example process forperforming data analysis in order generate connection(s) betweenmerchants. The example process further includes sending a recommendationto a customer based on the connection(s).

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example process for generating aconnection between merchants, and then using the connection to send acustomer a recommendation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example process for generatingconnection(s) between merchants.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example process for performingdata analysis in order generate a connection between items. The exampleprocess further includes sending a recommendation to a customer based onthe connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes systems and processes for performing dataanalysis in order to generate connections between merchants. Forinstance, merchants can conduct transactions with customers usingrespective point-of-sale (POS) devices. During a respective transactionbetween a merchant and a customer, a POS device can receive paymentinformation associated with a payment instrument of the customer. Forinstance, the POS device can include a card reader that reads thepayment information from the payment instrument. The POS device can thensend a request to a payment service to authorize the payment instrumentfor a cost of the transaction, where the request includes the paymentinformation. In response, the POS device can receive, from the paymentservice, a message indicating whether the payment instrument wasauthorized for the cost of the transaction.

In some instances, customers may conduct subsequent transactions withrespective merchants over given time periods. For instance, a customermay conduct a first transaction with a first merchant and subsequent tothe first transaction, conduct a second transaction with a secondmerchant. In some instances, the customers may conduct the subsequenttransactions with the respective merchants based on respective types ofbusinesses that are associated with each of the merchants (e.g.,categories of items/services provided by each of the merchants). Forexample, a customer may conduct a first transaction at a first merchantthat provides coffee at 6:00 a.m. in the morning followed by conductinga second transaction at a second merchant that provides a breakfastbagel at 6:15 a.m. For another example, a customer may conduct a firsttransaction at a first merchant in which the customer purchases golfclubs. Later that same week, the customer may conduct a secondtransaction at a second merchant in which the customer purchases a roundof golf.

In either of the examples, the customer conducts subsequent transactionswith the respective merchants based on the category of items/servicesprovided by each of the merchants. For instance, in the first example,the customer purchases a first item, coffee, which is associated withbreakfast. Later in the morning, the customer then purchases a seconditem, a bagel, which is also associated with breakfast. Since the coffeeand the bagel are each associated with breakfast, the coffee and bagelmay be associated with a specific category of items/services (e.g.,breakfast items). Additionally, for the second example, the customerpurchases a first item, golf clubs, which are associated with golfing.The customer then purchases a first service, a round of golf, which isalso associated with golfing. Since the golf clubs and the round of golfare each associated with golfing, the golf clubs and the round of golfare associated with a specific category of items/services (e.g., golfingitems/services).

As described herein, a subsequent transaction to a first transaction caninclude any transaction that the customer conducts with a merchant afterconducting the first transaction with a first merchant. For example, asubsequent transaction can include the next transaction that thecustomer conducts with a merchant after conducting the first transactionwith the first merchant. For instance, the customer can conduct thefirst transaction with the first merchant and after conducting the firsttransaction, conduct the subsequent transaction with the secondmerchant. For another example, a subsequent transaction can include thesecond (and/or third, fourth, fifth, etc.) transaction that the customerconducts with another merchant after conducting the first transactionwith the first merchant. For instance, the customer can conduct thefirst transaction with the first merchant, followed by conducting asecond transaction with a second merchant, and finally followed byconducting the subsequent transaction with a third merchant.

In some instances, a payment service can perform data analysis in orderto generate connections between merchants based on transactioninformation, and then send recommendations to the merchants and/orcustomers based on the connections. For instance, the payment servicecan receive transaction information from POS devices associated withrespective merchants. The transaction information can include both buyerinformation and item information that describes transactions between themerchants and customers. For instance, the transaction information for arespective transaction can indicate an identifier of the merchant, anidentifier (e.g., name) of the customer, payment information associatedwith a payment instrument used by the customer during the respectivetransaction, item(s)/service(s) acquired by the customer during therespective transaction, a cost of the item(s)/service(s) acquired by thecustomer during the respective transaction, a time, place and date ofthe respective transaction, and so forth.

In some instances, the payment service can associate the transactioninformation with one or more profiles. For example, the payment servicecan associate transaction information describing transactions that occurat a specific merchant with a profile associated with the merchant(e.g., a buyer profile). For another example, the payment service canassociate transaction information describing transactions performed by aspecific customer with a profile associated with the customer.Additionally, for another example, the payment service can associatetransaction information describing transactions in which customersacquired a specific category of items (e.g., breakfast item, sportingequipment, etc.) and/or specific category of services (e.g., cleaningservice, taxi service, etc.) with a profile that is associated with thespecific category of items/services. Furthermore, for another example,the payment service can associate transaction information describingtransactions that occur at a specific type of merchant (e.g.,restaurant, sporting goods retailer, or other type of business) with aprofile associated with the specific type of merchant.

The payment service can analyze the transaction information and/or theone or more profiles using one or more algorithms to identifyrelationships between merchants. For example, the payment service canidentify merchants that have each conducted a respective transactionwith a customer. For another example, the payment service can identifymerchants that have each conducted respective transactions with multiplecustomers. In some instances, the one or more algorithms identify therelationships by searching through the transaction information toidentify similarities between transactions. For instance, the one ormore algorithms can identify transactions that include a similarmerchant, a similar customer, similar payment information associatedwith a payment instrument used by the customer, similaritem(s)/service(s) acquired by the customer, a similar cost of theitem(s)/service(s) acquired by the customer, a similar time, place anddate, and so forth.

The payment service can then utilize the relationships in order togenerate connections between the merchants. In some instances, theconnections can include general connections and interrelatedconnections. A general connection can include a connection betweenmerchants that the payment service generates based on at least onecustomer conducting respective transactions at each of the merchants.For example, the payment service may generate a general connectionbetween a first merchant and a second merchant based on at least onecustomer conducting respective transactions at the first merchant andthe second merchant. An interrelated connection can include a connectionbetween merchants that the payment service generates based on both atleast one customer conducting respective transactions at each of themerchants, and an order in which the at least one customer conducts therespective transactions. For example, the payment service may generatean interrelated connection between a first merchant and a secondmerchant based on at least one customer conducting a first transactionat the first merchant and, after conducting the first transaction,conducting a second transaction (e.g., subsequent transaction) at thesecond merchant.

In some instances, when generating an interrelated connection betweenmerchants, the payment service may set a threshold number oftransactions (e.g., zero, one, two, three, etc.) that can occur betweenthe first transaction and the subsequent transaction. For example, thepayment service may generate an interrelated connection between a firstmerchant and a second merchant when at least one customer conducts fiveor less transactions with other merchants between conducting a firsttransaction with the first merchant and a subsequent transaction withthe second merchant. For another example, the payment service maygenerate an interrelated connection between a first merchant and asecond merchant when at least one customer conducts ten or lesstransactions with other merchants between conducting a first transactionwith the first merchant and a subsequent transaction with the secondmerchant.

Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, when generating aninterrelated connection between merchants, the payment service mayspecify a threshold period of time (e.g., minute, hour, day, week, year,etc.) that can pass between the first transaction and the subsequenttransaction. For example, the payment service may generate aninterrelated connection between a first merchant and a second merchantwhen at least one customer conducts a subsequent transaction with thesecond merchant within one hour of conducting a first transaction withthe first merchant. For another example, the payment service maygenerate an interrelated connection between a first merchant and asecond merchant when at least one customer conducts a subsequenttransaction with the second merchant within one month of conducting afirst transaction with the first merchant.

Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, the payment servicemay use other factors when generating interrelated connections betweenmerchants. For example, the payment service may utilize a thresholddistance (e.g., block, mile, ten miles, etc.) between merchants whengenerating interrelated connections between merchants. For instance, thepayment service may only generate an interrelated connection betweenmerchants when a distance between the merchants is no further than onemile. For another example, the payment service may utilize a respectivetype of business associated with each of the merchants when generatinginterrelated connections between merchants. For instance, the paymentservice may only generate an interrelated connection between merchantswhen the merchants each provide a similar category of item(s)/service(s)and/or when the merchants provide related item(s)/service(s).

For instance, merchants can each provide a similar category of item(s)when each of the merchants provides sporting goods, groceries,electronics, or the like. Merchants can each provide a similar categoryof service(s) when each of the merchants provide golfing lessons, maidservices, catering services, or the like. Additionally, merchants canprovide related item(s)/service(s) when the merchants provideitem(s)/service(s) that customers acquire during subsequenttransactions. For instance, and using the examples above, the firstmerchant that sells coffee provides related item(s)/service(s) as thesecond merchant that provides bagels, as customers may purchase bagelssubsequently to purchasing coffee. Additionally, the first merchant thatsells golf clubs provides related item(s)/service(s) as the secondmerchant that provides a round of golf, as customers may purchase around of golf subsequently to purchasing golf clubs.

In some instances, the payment service may generate the connectionsusing one or more threshold values. For example, the payment service maygenerate a general connection between a first merchant and a secondmerchant based on a threshold number of customers each conductingrespective transactions at the first merchant and the second merchant.For another example, the payment service may generate an interrelatedconnection between a first merchant and a second merchant based on athreshold number of customers each conducting a first transaction at thefirst merchant followed by conducting a subsequent transaction at thesecond merchant. In some instance, when using the threshold value, thepayment service first calculates a value associated with a number ofcustomers that have conducted transactions that satisfy the connection.The payment service then compares the value to the threshold value inorder to determine whether the threshold is satisfied (e.g., exceeded bythe value).

Using the connections, the payment service can then send recommendationsto merchants and/or customers. For instance, the payment service mayreceive an indication that a customer is conducting a transaction with afirst merchant. In some instances, receiving the indication can includereceiving, from a POS device of the first merchant, a request toauthorize a payment instrument of the customer for a cost of the firsttransaction between the first merchant and the customer. Based onreceiving the indications, the payment service can identify at least oneconnection between the first merchant and at least one merchant. Forinstance, the payment service can identify one or more generalconnections and/or one or more interrelated connections between thefirst merchant and one or more other merchants. The payment service canthen use the one or more connections to determine which merchant(s) torecommend to the customer for conducting one or more subsequenttransactions.

In some instances, to determine which merchant(s) to recommend to thecustomer, the payment service may use information associated with thecustomer. The information can include a geographic location associatedwith the customer (e.g., an address), a geographic location associatedwith a customer device of the customer (e.g., Global Positioning System(GPS) location), transaction information associated the customer, agender of the customer, an age of the customer, an income level for thecustomer, or the like. In some instances, the payment service can storethe information in association with an identity of the customer. Forinstance, the payment service can store the information in associationwith a profile of the customer. In some instances, the payment servicemay receive the information along with the indication that the customeris conducting the first transaction with the first merchant.

In some instances, the payment service can then use the information torecommend merchant(s) to the customer that change the behavior of thecustomer. For example, to determine a merchant using the information,the payment service can determine that the customer usually conductstransactions at the first merchant followed by conducting subsequenttransactions at a second merchant. Based on the determination, thepayment service can send the customer a message recommending that thecustomer conduct a subsequent transaction with at least one merchantother than the second merchant. For instance, the payment service canidentify a connection that indicates that a threshold number ofcustomers each conduct a first transaction at the first merchant andafter conducting the first transaction, conduct a subsequent transactionat a third merchant. The payment service can thus determine to send thecustomer a message recommending that the customer conduct a subsequenttransaction at the third merchant.

For a second example, the payment service can determine that aconnection indicates that at least one other customer routinely conductsa first transaction at the first merchant and, after conducting thefirst transaction, conducts a subsequent transaction at a secondmerchant. The payment service can further analyze the transactioninformation associated with the customer to determine that thetransaction information does not indicate that the customer hasconducted a transaction with the second merchant. Based on theconnection between the first merchant and the second merchant, and basedon determining that the transaction information does not indicate thatthe customer has conducted a transaction with the second merchant, thepayment service can determine to send the customer a messagerecommending that the customer conduct a subsequent transaction at thesecond merchant.

Additionally, for a third example, based on the transaction information,the payment service can determine that the customer usually conductstransactions at the first merchant followed by conducting subsequenttransactions at a second merchant, where the second merchant isassociated with a specific type of business. The payment service canthen identify a connection that indicates that at least one othercustomer conducts transactions at the first merchant followed byconducting transactions at a third merchant, where the third merchant isalso associated with the specific type of business. Based on theconnection between the first merchant and the third merchant, and basedon the second merchant and the third merchant being associated with thespecific type of business, the payment service can determine to send thecustomer a message recommending that the customer conduct a subsequenttransaction at the third merchant.

In addition to using the information associated with the customer torecommend merchant(s), the payment service can use informationassociated each of the one or more other merchants to determine whichmerchant(s) to recommend to the customer. For example, the paymentservice can recommend a merchant that includes the highest customerrating among the one or more merchants. For another example, the paymentservice can recommend merchant(s) that provide similar category ofitem(s)/service(s) and/or related item(s)/service(s) as the firstmerchant. Still, for another example, the analysis module can recommendmerchant(s) that are within a threshold distance (e.g., a bock, a mile,ten miles, etc.) of a location associated with the first merchant and/ora location associated with the customer (e.g., the geographical locationof the customer device).

In some instances, the payment service can further communicate with theone or more other merchants to determine which merchant(s) to recommendto the customer. For instance, the payment service can send messages toeach of the one or more other merchants that indicate that the paymentservice is going to recommend merchant(s) to the customer. In response,the payment service can receive one or more messages from the merchants,where each message requests that the payment service recommend arespective merchant. The payment service can then determine to recommendthe merchant(s) based on the one or more messages

For example, the payment service can determine which merchant(s) torecommend based on an order in which the payment service receives theone or more messages from the one or more merchants. For instance, thepayment service can recommend the merchant that sends the first messageto the payment service. For another example, the payment service candetermine which merchant to recommend based on bids from the respondingmerchants. For instance, when one or more of the merchants respond tothe payment service, the payment service can recommend the merchant thatbids the highest amount for the recommendation.

After determining at least one merchant to recommend for the subsequenttransaction, the payment service can send the message that recommendsthe merchant. In some instances, sending the message can include sendingthe message to the POS device of the first merchant. The POS device canthen receive the message from the payment service and, in response,provide the message to the customer. In some instances, providing themessage can include displaying the message to the customer using adisplay device. In some instances, providing the message can includeadding the message to a receipt that is provided to the customer. Forinstance, the POS device may print the message on a physical receipt,and/or the POS device may add the message to a digital receipt.

In some instances, sending the message can include sending the messagefrom the payment service to the customer. For instance, the paymentservice can use contact information associated with the customer, suchas an email address, telephone number, home address, fax number, or thelike, to send the message to the customer. For example, if the contactinformation includes an email address, the payment service can generatean email that recommends that the customer conduct a subsequenttransaction at a given merchant. The payment service can then send theemail to the customer using the email address. For another example, ifthe contact information includes a telephone number, the payment servicecan generate a text message that recommends that the customer conduct asubsequent transaction at a given merchant. The payment service can thensend the text message to the customer using the telephone number.

Still, in some instances, sending the message can include sending themessage to a customer device via an application executing on thecustomer device. For instance, the customer device may execute anapplication that provides the customer with POS functionality. Forinstance, the application can provide the customer a list of merchants,where each of the merchants includes a respective account with thepayment service. The customer can then use the application to conducttransactions with respective merchants. Additionally, the paymentservice can send the message that recommends that the customer conduct asubsequent transaction with a merchant via the application. Forinstance, the payment service can send the customer device a pushnotification that recommends the merchant via the application.

In some instances, the payment service can send the message to thecustomer at one or more determined times. A determined time an includespecific time, such as 3:00 a.m. on Monday, or a determined time caninclude a time interval, such on Monday between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.In some instances, to determine the one or more times, the paymentservice can use the connections between the merchants. For instance, thepayment service can analyze transaction information that indicates aconnection between the first merchant and a second merchant to determinea time interval (e.g., an average time interval) between when at leastone customer conducts a first transaction at the first merchant and asubsequent transaction at the second merchant. The payment service canthen use the time interval to determine the one or more times forsending the message.

For example, the time interval can indicate that the at least onecustomer conducts the subsequent transaction with the second merchantwithin one hour after conducting the first transaction with the firstmerchant. Based on the time interval, the payment service can determineto send the customer one or more messages within one hour of thecustomer conducting the first transaction at the first merchant. Foranother example, the time interval can indicate that the at least onecustomer conducts the subsequent transaction with the second merchantwithin one month after conducting the first transaction with the firstmerchant. Based on the time interval, the payment service can determineto send the customer one or more messages within one month of thecustomer conducting the first transaction with the first merchant.

In some instances, in addition to, or alternatively from, sending thecustomer messages that recommend merchants, the payment service canfurther send messages that recommend items for the customer. Forinstance, the payment service can analyze the transaction information toidentify connections between items and/or services that the customerorders from one or more merchants. The payment service can then use theconnections to send a message to a merchant and/or the customer thatrecommends that the customer order a specific item/service.

For example, the payment service can analyze the transaction informationto determine that, during transactions with a first merchant, thecustomer orders a first item and a second from the first merchant. Basedon the determination, the payment service can identify a connectionbetween the first item and the second item. The payment service can thenreceive an indication that the customer is ordering the first item froma second merchant during a second transaction. For instance, the paymentservice can receive a request, from a POS device of the second merchant,to authorize a payment instrument of the customer for a cost of thefirst item. Based on the connection, the payment service can send thePOS device of the second merchant and/or the customer a message thatrecommends that the customer order the second item from the secondmerchant. In some instance, the payment service first determines thatthe second merchant provides the second item before sending the message.

It should be noted that the techniques and examples above describetransactions that occur at merchant locations of the respectivemerchants. However, in some instances, the transactions may includeonline transactions in which customers are acquiring item(s) and/orservice(s) from merchants via online marketplaces associated with therespective merchants. For instance, and using the example above, thecustomer may be using an online marketplace of a merchant to purchasethe first item during a transaction. While authorizing a paymentinstrument of the customer for a cost of the first item, the paymentservice may send the customer a message that recommends the second itembased on the connection between the first item and the second item.

It should further be noted that the techniques and examples abovedescribe types of businesses associated with respective merchants and/orcategories of item(s)/service(s) provided by respective merchants. Insome instances, the payment service may utilize Merchant Category Codes(MCCs) (and/or some other type of code) associated with the respectivemerchants to determine the types of businesses associated withrespective merchants and/or categories of item(s)/service(s) provided byrespective merchants. The payment service can then use the MCCs todetermine whether merchants are associated with a similar type ofbusiness, and/or the payment service can use the MCCs to determinewhether merchants provide similar and/or related categories ofitem(s)/service(s). For example, the payment service may determine thattwo merchants are each associated with a similar type of business basedon each of the merchants being associated with a similar MCC.

Finally, it should be noted that the techniques and examples abovedescribe the payment service analyzing the data. However, in someinstances, the payment service, one or more merchant devices, one ormore customer devices, one or more other electronic devices, and/or anycombination thereof may analyze the data in order to generateconnections. Additionally, the payment service, one or more merchantdevices, one or more customer devices, one or more other electronicdevices, and/or any combination thereof may utilize the connections tosend/receive messages with merchants and customers.

By analyzing data to create connections between merchants, thetechniques described above can create an improved system in which apayment service, merchants, and customers are linked together based atleast in part on transactions that occur between the merchants and thecustomers. The payment service, the merchants, and/or the customers canthen use the system to send/receive communications (e.g., messages)between one another. In some instances, such messages will be morerelevant for the payment service, the merchants, and/or the customers,as they are sent/received based on the connections.

Additionally, the improved system provides improved techniques and/orprocesses for synchronizing data from various sources (e.g., themerchants, customers, etc.). For instance, by analyzing the data tocreate connections, the payment service is synchronizing the transactiondata received from numerous merchant devices and/or the customerdevices. In some instances, the payment service synchronizes thetransactions data using the various profiles (e.g., buyer profiles) thatassociate both customers and/or items/services with merchants and otherrespect customers. The payment service is then able to utilize thesynchronized data (e.g., the profiles) to communicate timelyrecommendations to both merchants and customers.

Moreover, in some instances, the improved system is able to synchronizethe data based on processing transactions for merchants. For instance,the payment service can receive requests from merchants to authorizepayment instruments for respective transactions. The payment service canthen use information (e.g., payment information) associated with therespective payment instruments to associated the transactions (e.g.,transactions information) with respective profiles. This createsimprovements to conventional services that merely process transactionsfor merchants, by extending the technical capabilities of the services.For instances, the payment service described herein is capable ofprocessing transactions, utilizing data associated with the transactionsto synchronize data across merchant devices using profiles, and thenutilize the profiles to the provide the timely electronic communicationsto both merchants and customers.

Furthermore, by utilizing a payment service that is remote from themerchant devices, and processes transactions for various merchantsassociated with the respective merchant devices, the payment serviceimproves previous techniques for providing recommendations to customers.For instance, conventionally, merchants may store data locally, such ason respective merchant devices, that can indicate preferences (e.g.,item preferences) of customers. The merchants can then use the localdata to provide recommendations to the customers when the customers areat the physical establishment of the respective merchants.

However, the payment service described herein stores data describingpreferences of customers across multiple merchants, such as preferencesthat indicate orders in which customers conduct transactions atrespective merchants. the payment service is then able to utilize thedata to provide merchants and/or customers with recommendations thatconventional systems (i.e., the merchant devices) were not capable ofproviding. For instance, the recommendations provided by the paymentservice can include both merchants that the customer should conductsubsequent transactions with as well as a timing in which therecommendations should be provided to the customers.

As used herein, a transaction may include a financial transaction forthe acquisition of goods and/or services (referred to herein as items)that is conducted between a customer (e.g., a buyer or other user) and amerchant, such as at a POS location. Further, a merchant may include anybusiness or other entity engaged in the offering of goods or servicesfor acquisition by buyers in exchange for compensation received from thebuyers. Actions attributed to a merchant herein may include actionsperformed by employees or other agents of the merchant and, thus, nodistinction is made herein between merchants and their employees unlessspecifically discussed. In addition, as used herein, a customer mayinclude any entity that acquires goods or services from a merchant, suchas by purchasing, renting, leasing, borrowing, licensing, or the like.Customers may be buyers or potential buyers of a particular merchant.Hereinafter, goods and/or services offered by merchants may be referredto as items. Thus, a merchant and a customer may interact with eachother to conduct a transaction in which the customer acquires one ormore items from a merchant, and in return, the customer provides paymentto the merchant.

As described herein, messages can include any type of electroniccommunication that electronic devices can send and receive with otherelectronic devices. For instance, a message can include an emailmessage, a short message service (SMS), multimedia messages (MMS), avoicemail message, an audio signal, or any other type of electroniccommunication that an electronic device can send to another electronicdevice. In some instances, an electronic device may use messages to sendindications, notifications, alerts, and/or requests to anotherelectronic device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 that utilizes data analysis togenerate connections between merchants. More particularly, FIG. 1provides the functionality for analyzing transaction informationassociated with respective transactions between merchants and customersin order to generate connections between the merchants. The frameworkfurther provides the functionality associated with sending messages tomerchants and/or customers based on the connections.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the system 100 may include one or more customer(s)102 (e.g. customers, buyers, etc.), one or more customer device(s) 104associated with the customer(s) 102, one or more merchant(s) 106, one ormore merchant device(s) 108 associated with the one or more merchant(s)106, one or more network(s) 110, and one or more computing device(s)112. In various implementations, the customer(s) 102 may operate thecustomer device(s) 104, which may include one or more processor(s) 114,memory 116, a display 118 and a network interface 120. The memory 116may store a payment service interface 122 and a POS module 124.Similarly, the merchant(s) 106 may operate the merchant device(s) 108,which may include one or more processor(s) 126, memory 128, a cardreader 130, a display 132 and a network interface 134. The memory 128may store a payment service interface 136 and a POS module 138. Thecomputing device(s) 112 may also include one or more processor(s) 140,memory 142 and a network interface 144. The memory 142 may store a userinteraction module 146, a merchant interaction module 148, a paymentmodule 150, a connection module 152, and an analysis module 154.

In some implementations, one of the customer(s) 102 may operate acustomer device(s) 104 to perform various functions associated with thecustomer device(s) 104. For example, a customer 102 may utilize acustomer device 104, and particularly the payment service interface 122thereof, to interact with the computing device(s) 112 via the networkinterface 120 to establish a customer account with the payment serviceof the computing device(s) 112. In addition, the customer 102 mayutilize POS module 124 of the customer device 104 to interface with thePOS module 138 of the merchant device(s) 108, e.g. as part of atransaction using the payment service of the computing device(s) 112.For example, the customer device 104 may communicate via the networkinterface 120 with the merchant device(s) 108 and the network interface134. As an example of such a payment operation, the POS module 138 ofthe merchant device(s) 108 may communicate with the POS module 124 ofthe customer device 104 to obtain information for processing a paymentfrom the customer 102 to the merchant 106 using the payment service ofthe computing device(s) 112.

In some implementations, the customer device(s) 104 may be any type ofdevice that is capable of interacting with the merchant device(s) 108and/or the computing device(s) 112. For instance, the customer device(s)104 may include a personal computer, a laptop computer, a cellulartelephone, a PDA, a tablet device, or any other device. The customerdevice(s) 104 shown in FIG. 1 are only one example of customer device(s)104 and are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope ofuse or functionality of any of the customer device(s) 104 utilized toperform the processes and/or procedures described herein. For example,the customer device(s) 104 may include various other applications ormodules, such as a module for a customer dashboard to enable thecustomer(s) 102 to control information in a customers' respectiveprofiles, set customer preferences, and so forth.

The processor(s) 114 of the customer device(s) 104 may execute one ormore modules and/or processes to cause the customer device(s) 104 toperform a variety of functions, as set forth above and explained infurther detail in the following disclosure. In some implementations, theprocessor(s) 114 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), both CPU and GPU, or other processing units orcomponents known in the art. Additionally, each of the processor(s) 114may possess its own local memory, which also may store program modules,program data, and/or one or more operating systems.

Depending on the exact configuration and type of the customer device(s)104, the memory 116 may include volatile memory (such as RAM),non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, miniature hard drive,memory card, or the like), or some combination thereof.

In various implementations, the customer device(s) 104 may also haveinput device(s) such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a voice inputdevice, a touch input device, etc. The customer device(s) 104 may alsoinclude the display 118 and other output device(s), such as speakers, aprinter, etc. The customer 102 may utilize the foregoing features tointeract with the customer device(s) 104, merchant device(s) 108, or thecomputing device(s) 112 via the network(s) 110. More particularly, thedisplay 118 of the customer device(s) 104 may include any type ofdisplay 118 known in the art that is configured to present (e.g.,display) information to the customer(s) 102.

In various implementations, the one or more merchant(s) 106 may be anyindividual, entity, or machine that offers products, services or thelike according to the examples herein. Moreover, each of the merchant(s)106 may be associated with one or more merchant device(s) 108, which maybe the same as, similar to, or different from the customer device(s)104. The merchant device(s) 108 may include any number of componentssuch as the one or more processor(s) 126, the memory 128, the cardreader 130, the display 132 and/or network interface 134. Themerchant(s) 106 may utilize the merchant device(s) 108 to interact withthe customer device(s) 104 and/or computing device(s) 112 in any manner.For instance, the merchant device(s) 108 may be used to access aninterface associated with the computing device(s) 112 (e.g. the paymentservice interface 136). Continuing the above example, a merchantdevice(s) 108 may utilize information obtained from interacting with thePOS module 124 of the customer device(s) 104 to execute the payment fromthe customer(s) 102 to the merchants(s) 106 through the payment serviceof the computing device(s) 112. Further, the POS module 138 may controlthe operation of the card reader 130 to read payment information fromcredit cards, debit cards, gift cards and the like. Moreover, the POSmodule 138 may operate to interact with the card payment networkcomputing devices(s) 156 and/or bank(s) computing device(s) 158 toexecute payments from the customer(s) 102 to the merchant(s) 106.

While the customer device(s) 104 and merchant device(s) 108 are shown asincluding different modules, this is merely for ease of illustration andnot intended as limiting. In various implementations, the customerdevice(s) 104 and merchant device(s) 108 may be identical, similar ordistinct. Moreover, the modules shown and described for the customerdevice(s) 104 and merchant device(s) 108 may be implemented as moremodules or as fewer modules and functions described for the modules maybe redistributed depending on the details of the implementation.Further, in some implementations, the customer device(s) 104 and/ormerchant device(s) 108 may vary from device to device. In general, thecustomer device(s) 104 and the merchant device(s) 108 can each be anyappropriate device operable to send and receive requests, messages, orother types of information over the one or more network(s) 110 ordirectly to each other. Additionally, in some implementation, there maybe thousands, hundreds of thousands, or more, of the customer device(s)104 and the merchant device(s) 108.

In some implementations, the network(s) 110 may be any type of networkknown in the art, such as a local area network or a wide area network,such as the Internet, and may include a wireless network, such as acellular network, a local wireless network, such as Wi-Fi and/orclose-range wireless communications, such as Bluetooth® and Bluetooth®low energy, near field communications (NFC), a wired network, or anyother such network, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, the one ormore network(s) 110 may include both wired and/or wireless communicationtechnologies, including Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® low energy, Wi-Fi andcellular communication technologies, as well as wired or fiber optictechnologies. Components used for such communications can depend atleast in part upon the type of network, the environment selected, orboth. Protocols for communicating over such networks are well known andwill not be discussed herein in detail. Consequently, the customerdevice(s) 104, the merchant device(s) 108, and the computing device(s)112 may communicatively couple to the network(s) 110 in any manner, suchas by a wired or wireless connection. The network(s) 110 may alsofacilitate communication between the customer device(s) 104, themerchant device(s) 108, and the computing device(s) 112. In turn, thenetwork interfaces 120, 134 and 144 of the customer device(s) 104, themerchant device(s) 108, and the computing device(s) 112 may be anynetwork interface hardware components that may allow customer device(s)104, the merchant device(s) 108, and the computing device(s) 112communicate over the network(s) 110. For example, in a particularimplementation, the network interfaces 120 and 134 of the customerdevice(s) 104 and merchant device(s) 108 may include near fieldcommunication capabilities for performing the communications therebetween involved in POS operations.

In addition, and as mentioned previously, the computing device(s) 112may include the one or more processor(s) 140, the memory 142 and networkinterface 144. The computing device(s) 112 may also include additionalcomponents not listed above that may perform any function associatedwith the computing device(s) 112. In various implementations, thecomputing device(s) 112 may be any type of computing device, such as anetwork-accessible server, and may be one of multiple servers includedin a server cluster or server farm. In other implementations, theprocessor(s) 140 and the memory 142 of the computing device(s) 112 maybe the same as, similar to, or different from the processor(s) 114 andthe memory 116, respectively, of the customer device(s) 104. Asdiscussed above, the memory 142 may store the user interaction module146, the merchant interaction module 148, the payment module 150, theconnection module 152, the analysis module 154, and the database(s) 160.The database(s) 160 may store various information including customeraccount information 162, merchant information 164, profiles(s) 166,transaction information 168, and connection(s) 170.

The user interaction module 146 and merchant interaction module 148operate to interface with the customer device(s) 104 and merchantdevice(s) 108, respectively. For example, the user interaction module146 and merchant interaction module 148 may operate in accordance withinstructions from the payment module 150 to request or provideinformation on behalf of the payment module 150. The payment module 150may handle the processing of payments. For example, the payment module150 may utilize the user interaction module 146 and the merchantinteraction module 148 to handle communication with the customer(s) 102and the merchant(s) 106, respectively. In addition, the payment module150 may utilize information from the database(s) 160, such as thecustomer account information 162 and merchant information 164 to providehandling of payments between merchant(s) 106 and the customer(s) 102. Insome implementations, customer account information 162 may includeinformation regarding electronic payment accounts of the customer(s)102.

As mentioned above, the payment module 150 may handle payments betweenthe merchant(s) 106 and the customer(s) 102. When paying for atransaction, a customer can provide the amount of payment that is due toa merchant 106 using cash, check, a payment card, NFC, or by electronicpayment through a payment service of the computing device(s) 112. Themerchant 106 can interact with the merchant device(s) 108 to process thetransaction. In some examples, the service of the computing devise 112may handle some payments while other payments may at least at times behandled by point of sale (POS) transactions. In such cases, the point ofsale may be the place where the customer 102 with customer device(s) 104interacts with the merchant 106 with merchant device(s) 108 and executesa transaction (e.g. purchases items from a street vendor merchant or arestaurant merchant). During point-of-sale (POS) transactions, themerchant device(s) 108 can determine and send data describing thetransactions (e.g., transaction information 168), including, forexample, services provided, item(s) being purchased, the amount of theservices or item(s), buyer information, and so forth.

In some implementations, the payment service enables card-less payments,i.e., electronic payments, for transactions between the customer(s) 102and the merchant(s) 106 based interactions of the customer(s) 102 withthe customer device(s) 104 and interactions of the merchant(s) 106 withthe merchant device(s) 108. Accordingly, in some examples, a card-lesspayment transaction may include a transaction conducted between acustomer 102 and a merchant 106 at a POS location during which anelectronic payment account of the customer 102 is charged without thecustomer 102 having to physically present a payment card to the merchant106 at the POS location. Consequently, the merchant 106 need not receiveany details about the financial account of the customer 102 for thetransaction to be processed. As one example, the electronic payment maybe charged to a credit card issuer or credit card number that thecustomer 102 provided when signing up with the service of the computingdevice(s) 112 for an electronic payment account. As another example, thecustomer 102 may have a quantity of money pre-paid in an accountmaintained for use in making the electronic payments. Other variationswill also be apparent to those of skill in the art having the benefit ofthe disclosure herein.

Before conducting an electronic payment transaction, the customer 102typically creates a customer account with the service of the computingdevice(s) 112. The customer 102 can create the customer account, forexample, by interacting with an application of the customer device(s)104 that is configured to perform electronic payment transactions andthat may execute on the customer device(s) 104 (e.g. the payment serviceinterface 122). When creating an electronic payment account with theservice of the computing device(s) 112, the customer 102 may provide animage including the face of the customer 102, data describing afinancial account of the customer 102 (e.g., payment information, suchas a credit card number, expiration date, etc.), and a billing address.This customer information can be securely stored by the computingdevice(s) 112, for example, in the customer account information 162 inthe database(s) 160. Further, the customer account information 162 maybe created for each customer 102, which may include information aboutthe customer 102 and transactions conducted by the customer.

To accept electronic payments for POS transactions, the merchant 106 maycreate a merchant account with the service of the computing device(s)112 by providing information describing the merchant including, forexample, a merchant name, contact information, e.g., telephone numbers,the merchant's geographic location address, and one or more financialaccounts to which funds collected from customer(s) 102 will bedeposited. This merchant information 164 can be securely stored by theservice, for example, in the database(s) 160 along with the customeraccount information 162. Further, a merchant profile (and/or buyerprofile) may be created for each merchant, which may include informationabout the merchant and transactions conducted by the merchant.

The service of the computing device(s) 112 may be configured to enableelectronic payments for transactions. The computing device(s) 112 caninclude one or more servers that are configured to perform secureelectronic financial transactions, e.g., electronic payments fortransactions between a customer and a merchant, for example, throughdata communicated between the customer device(s) 104 and the merchantdevice(s) 108. Generally, when a customer 102 and a merchant 106 enterinto an electronic payment transaction, the transaction is processed byelectronically transferring funds from a financial account associatedwith the customer account to a financial account associated with themerchant account. Alternatively, the customer 102 may have a balance offunds maintained by the payment service as part of the customer accountwhich may be used in transactions.

The payment module 150 may be configured to send and receive data to andfrom the customer device(s) 104 and the merchant device(s) 108. Forexample, the payment module 150 can be configured to send informationdescribing merchant(s) 106 to the application on the customer device(s)104 using, for example, the information stored in the database(s) 160.For example, the payment module 150 can communicate data describingmerchant(s) 106 that are within a threshold geographic distance from ageographic location of the customer device(s) 104. The data describingthe merchant(s) 106 can include, for example, a merchant name,geographic location, contact information, and an electronic catalogue,e.g., a menu that describes items that are available from the merchant.

The computing device(s) 112 can also be configured to communicate withone or more card payment network computing devices(s) 156 of a cardpayment network (e.g., MasterCard®, VISA®) over the one or morenetwork(s) 110 to conduct financial transactions electronically. Thecomputing device(s) 112 can also communicate with one or more bankcomputing devices 158 of one or more banks over the one or morenetwork(s) 110. For example, the computing device(s) 112 may communicatewith an acquiring bank, and/or an issuing bank, and/or a bankmaintaining customer accounts for electronic payments.

An acquiring bank may be a registered member of a card association(e.g., Visa®, MasterCard®), and may be part of a card payment network.An issuing bank may issue payment cards to customers, and may payacquiring banks for purchases made by cardholders to which the issuingbank has issued a payment card. Accordingly, in some examples, thecomputing device(s) of an acquiring bank may be included in the cardpayment network and may communicate with the computing devices of acard-issuing bank to obtain payment. Further, in some examples, thecustomer may use a debit card or gift card instead of a credit card, inwhich case, the bank computing device(s) of a bank or other institutioncorresponding to the debit card or gift card may receive communicationsregarding a transaction in which the customer is participating.Additionally, there may be computing devices of other financialinstitutions involved in some types of transactions or in alternativesystem architectures, and thus, the foregoing are merely severalexamples for discussion purposes. In addition, the merchant device(s)108 may perform interactions similar to those described above withregard to the card payment network computing devices(s) 156 of a cardpayment network and the bank computing devices 158 when processingtransactions for payment instruments that do not involve the paymentservice of the computing device(s) 112.

In some instances, the computing device(s) may further perform dataanalysis in order to generate/identify connection(s) 170 betweenmerchant(s) 106, and then provide customer(s) 102 with recommendationsbased on the connections. For instance, customer(s) 102 may conductsubsequent transactions with respective merchant(s) 106 over given timeperiods. For instance, a customer 102 may conduct a first transactionwith a first merchant 106 and subsequent to the first transaction,conduct a second transaction with a second merchant 106. In someinstances, the customer(s) 102 may conduct the subsequent transactionswith the respective merchant(s) 106 based on of respective types ofbusiness that are associated with each of the merchant(s) 106 (e.g.,categories of item(s)/service(s) provided by the merchants 106). Forexample, a customer 102 may conduct a first transaction at a firstmerchant 106 that provides coffee at 6:00 a.m. in the morning followedby conducting a second transaction at a second merchant 106 thatprovides a breakfast bagel at 6:15 a.m. For another example, a customer102 may conduct a first transaction at a first merchant 106 in which thecustomer purchases golf clubs. Later that same week, the customer 102may conduct a second transaction at a second merchant 106 in which thecustomer purchases a round of golf.

In either of the examples, the customer 102 conducts subsequenttransactions with the respective merchant(s) 106 based on the categoryof items/services 172 provided by each of the merchant(s) 106. Forinstance, in the first example, the customer 102 purchases a first item172 from the first merchant 106, coffee, which is associated withbreakfast. Later in the morning, the customer 102 then purchases asecond item 172 from the second merchant 106, a bagel, which is alsoassociated with breakfast. Since the coffee and the bagel are eachassociated with breakfast, the coffee and bagel may be associated with aspecific category of items/services 172 (e.g., breakfast items).Additionally, for the second example, the customer 102 purchases a firstitem 172 form the first merchant 106, golf clubs, which are associatedwith golfing. The customer 102 then purchases a first service 172 from asecond merchant 106, a round of golf, which is also associated withgolfing. Since the golf clubs and the round of golf are each associatedwith golfing, the golf clubs and the round of golf are associated with aspecific category of items/services (e.g., golfing items/services).

In some instance, the computing device(s) 112 can perform data analysisin order to generate connection(s) 170 between merchant(s) 106 based ontransaction information 168. For instance, the computing device(s) 112can receive transaction information 168 from merchant device(s) 108associated with respective merchant(s) 106. As discussed above, thetransaction information 168 can include both buyer information and iteminformation that describes transactions between the merchant(s) 106 andcustomer(s) 102. For instance, the transaction information 168 for arespective transaction can indicate an identifier of the merchant 106,an identifier (e.g., name) of the customer 102, payment informationassociated with a payment instrument 174 used by the customer 102 duringthe respective transaction, item(s)/service(s) 172 acquired by thecustomer 102 during the respective transaction, a cost of theitem(s)/service(s) 172 acquired by the customer 102 during therespective transaction, a time, place and date of the respectivetransaction, and so forth.

In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can associate thetransaction information 168 for respective transactions with one or moreprofile(s) 166. For example, the computing device(s) 112 can associatetransaction information 168 describing transactions that occur at aspecific merchant 106 with a profile 166 (e.g., a buyer profile 166)associated with the merchant 106. For another example, the computingdevice(s) 112 can associate transaction information 168 describingtransactions performed by a specific customer 102 with a profile 166associated with the customer 102. Additionally, for another example, thecomputing device(s) 112 can associate transaction information 168describing transactions in which customer(s) 102 acquired a specificcategory of item(s) 172 (e.g., breakfast item, sporting equipment, etc.)and/or specific category of service(s) (e.g., cleaning service, taxiservice, etc.) with a profile 166 that is associated with the specificcategory of item(s)/service(s). Furthermore, for another example, thecomputing device(s) 112 can associate transaction information 168describing transactions that occur at a specific type of merchant 106(e.g., restaurant, sporting goods retailer, etc.) with a profile 166associated with the specific type of merchant 106.

The either of the examples above, each of the profile(s) 166 can thus beassociated with buyer information and item information for at least onetransaction. For instance, a profile 166 (e.g., a buyer profile 166)associated with a specific merchant 106 can be associated with buyerinformation indicating identities of respective customer(s) 102 thathave conducted at least one transaction with the specific merchant 106,payment information associated with payment instrument(s) 174 used bythe respective customer(s) 102, geographical locations associated withthe respective customer(s) 102, a time, place, and date of therespective transactions, or the like. The profile 166 can further beassociated with item information that indicates item(s) 174 acquired bythe respective customer(s) 102 during the respective transactions,service(s) 172 acquired by the respective customer(s) 102 during therespective transactions, a cost of the item(s) 172 acquired by thecustomer(s) 102 during the respective transactions, a cost of theservice(s) 172 acquired by the customer(s) 102 during the respectivetransactions, or the like.

The computing device(s) 112 can then analyze the transaction information168 and/or the one or more profile(s) 166 using the connection module152 to identify relationships between merchant(s) 106. For example, theconnection module 152 may function to identify merchant(s) 106 that haveeach conducted a respective transaction with a customer 102. For anotherexample, the connection module 152 may function to identify merchant(s)106 that have each conducted respective transactions with multiplecustomer(s) 102. In some instances, the connection module 152 functionsto identify the relationships by searching through the transactioninformation 168 to identify similarities between transactions. Forinstance, the connection module 152 can identify transactions that eachinclude a similar merchant 106, a similar customer 102, similar paymentinformation associated with a payment instrument 174 used by thecustomer 102, similar item(s)/service(s) 172 acquired by the customer102, a similar cost of the item(s)/service(s) 172 acquired by thecustomer 102, a similar time, place and date, and so forth.

The computing device(s) 112 can then utilize the connection module 152to generate connection(s) 170 between merchants 106 based on therelationships. In some instances, the connection(s) 170 can includegeneral connections 170 and interrelated connections 170. A generalconnection 170 can include a connection 170 between merchants 106 thatthe connections module 152 generates based on at least one customer 102conducting respective transactions at each of the merchants 106. Forexample, the connection module 152 can generate a general connection 170between a first merchant 106 and a second merchant 106 based on at leastone customer 102 conducting respective transactions at the firstmerchant 106 and the second merchant 106. An interrelated connection 170can include a connection 170 between merchants 106 that the connectionmodule 152 generates based on both at least one customer 102 conductingrespective transactions at each of the merchants 106, and an order inwhich the at least one customer 102 conducts respective transactions.For example, the connection module 152 can generate an interrelatedconnection 170 between a first merchant 106 and a second merchant 106based on at least one customer 102 conducting a first transaction at thefirst merchant 106 and, after conducting the first transaction,conducting a second transaction (e.g., subsequent transaction) at thesecond merchant 106.

In some instances, when generating interrelated connections 170 betweenmerchants 106, the connection module 152 may set a threshold number oftransactions (e.g., zero, one, two, three, etc.) that can occur betweenthe first transaction and the subsequent transaction. For example, theconnection module 152 may generate an interrelated connection 170between a first merchant 106 and a second merchant 106 when at least onecustomer 102 conducts five or less transactions with other merchant(s)106 between conducting a first transaction with the first merchant 106and a subsequent transaction with the second merchant 106. For anotherexample, the connection module 152 may generate an interrelatedconnection 170 between a first merchant 106 and a second merchant 106when at least one customer 102 conducts ten or less transactions withother merchant(s) 106 between conducting a first transaction with thefirst merchant 106 and a subsequent transaction with the second merchant106.

Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, when generatinginterrelated connections 170 between merchants 106, the connectionmodule 152 may specify a threshold period of time (e.g., minute, hour,day, week, year, etc.) that can pass between the first transaction andthe subsequent transaction. For example, the connection module 152 maygenerate an interrelated connection 170 between a first merchant 106 anda second merchant 106 when at least one customer 102 conducts asubsequent transaction with the second merchant 106 within one week ofconducting a first transaction with the first merchant 106. For anotherexample, the connection module 152 may generate an interrelatedconnection 170 between a first merchant 106 and a second merchant 106when at least one customer 102 conducts a subsequent transaction withthe second merchant 106 within one month of conducting a firsttransaction with the first merchant 106.

Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, the connection module152 may use other factors when generating interrelated connections 170between merchants 106. For example, the connection module 152 mayutilize a threshold distance (e.g., block, mile, ten miles, etc.) whenbetween merchants 106 when generating an interrelated connection 170.For instance, the connection module 152 only may generate aninterrelated connection 170 between merchants 106 only when a distancebetween the merchants 106 is no further than a mile. For anotherexample, the connection module 152 may utilize a respective type ofbusiness associated with each of the merchants 106 when generatinginterrelated connections 170 between merchants 106. For instance, theconnection module 152 may generate an interrelated connection 170between merchant(s) 106 only when the merchant(s) 106 each sell asimilar category of item(s)/service(s). For instance, the connectionmodule 152 may only generate an interrelated connection 170 betweenmerchants 106 when the merchants 106 each provide a similar category ofitem(s)/service(s) and/or when the merchants 106 provide relateditem(s)/service(s).

For instance, merchants 106 can each provide a similar category ofitem(s) 172 when each of the merchants 106 provides sporting goods,groceries, electronics, or the like. Merchants 106 can each provide asimilar category of service(s) 172 when each of the merchants 106provide golfing lessons, maid services, catering services, or the like.Additionally, merchants 106 can provide related item(s)/service(s) 172when the merchants 106 provide item(s)/service(s) 172 that customers 102acquire during subsequent transactions. For instance, and using theexamples above, the first merchant 106 that sells coffee providesrelated item(s)/service(s) 172 as the second merchant 106 that providesbagels, as customer(s) 102 may purchase bagels subsequently topurchasing coffee. Additionally, the first merchant 106 that sells golfclubs provides related item(s)/service(s) 172 as the second merchant 106that provides a round of golf, as customer(s) 102 may purchase a roundof golf subsequently to purchasing golf clubs.

In some instances, the connection module 152 may generate theconnection(s) 170 using one or more threshold values. For example, theconnection module 152 may generate a general connection 170 between afirst merchant 106 and a second merchant 106 based on a threshold numberof customer(s) 102 each conducting respective transactions at the firstmerchant 106 and the second merchant 106. For another example, theconnection module 152 may generate an interrelated connection 170between a first merchant 106 and a second merchant 106 based on athreshold number of customer(s) 102 each conducting a first transactionat the first merchant 106 followed by conducting a subsequenttransaction at the second merchant 106. In some instance, when using thethreshold value, the connection module 152 first calculates/determines avalue associated with a number of customer(s) 102 that have conductedtransactions that satisfy the connection 170. The connection module 152then compares the value to the threshold value in order to determinewhether the threshold is satisfied (e.g., exceeded by the value).

For example, the connection module 152 may set the threshold value forinterrelated connections 170 at ten customer(s) 102. Using the thresholdvalue, the connection module 152 can then generate an interrelatedconnection 170 between a first merchant 106 and a second merchant 106when at least ten customer(s) 102 each conduct a first transaction atthe first merchant 106 and after conducting the first transaction,conduct a subsequent transaction at the second merchant 106. For anotherexample, the connection module 152 may set the threshold value forinterrelated connections 170 to include ten percent of customer(s) 102.Using the threshold value, the connection module 152 can then generatean interrelated connection 170 between a first merchant 106 and a secondmerchant 106 when at least ten percent of the customer(s) 102 thatconduct respective first transactions at the first merchant 106 laterconduct respective subsequent transactions at the second merchant 106.

Using the connection(s) 170, the computing device(s) 112 can then sendrecommendations to merchant(s) 106 and/or customer(s) 102. For instance,the computing device(s) 112 may receive an indication that a customer102 is conducting a transaction with a first merchant 106. In someinstances, receiving the indication can include receiving, from amerchant device 108 of the first merchant 106, a request to authorize apayment instrument 174 of the customer 102 for a cost of the firsttransaction between the first merchant 106 and the customer 102. Basedon receiving the indications, the computing device(s) 112 can identifyat least one connection 170 between the first merchant 106 and at leastone other merchant 106. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 canutilize the analysis module 154 identify one or more general connections170 and/or one or more interrelated connections 170 between the firstmerchant 106 and one or more other merchant(s) 106. The computingdevice(s) 112 can then use the one or more connection(s) 170 todetermine which merchant(s) 106 to recommend to the customer 102 forconducting one or more subsequent transactions.

In some instances, to determine which merchant(s) 106 to recommend tothe customer 102, the analysis module 154 may use information associatedwith the customer 102. The information can include a geographic locationassociated with the customer 102 (e.g., an address), a geographiclocation associated with a customer device 104 of the customer 102(e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) location), transactioninformation 168 associated the customer 102, a gender of the customer102, an age of the customer 102, an income level for the customer 102,or the like. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can storethe information in association with an identity of the customer 102. Forinstance, the computing device(s) 112 can store the information inassociation with a profile 166 of the customer 102. In some instances,the computing device(s) 112 may receive the information along with theindication that the customer 102 is conducting the first transactionwith the first merchant 106.

In some instances, the analysis module 154 can then use the informationto recommend merchant(s) 106 to the customer 102 that change thebehavior of the customer 102. For example, to determine a merchant 106using the information, the analysis module 154 can determine that thecustomer 102 usually conducts transactions at the first merchant 106followed by conducting subsequent transactions at a second merchant 106.Based on the determination, the analysis module 154 can send thecustomer 102 a message (e.g., an electronic communication) recommendingthat the customer 102 conduct a subsequent transaction with at least onemerchant 106 other than the second merchant 106. For instance, theanalysis module 154 can identify a connection 170 that indicates that athreshold number of customer(s) 102 each conduct a first transaction atthe first merchant 106 and after conducting the first transaction,conduct a subsequent transaction at a third merchant 106. The analysismodule 154 can determine to send the customer 102 a message recommendingthat the customer 102 conduct a subsequent transaction at the thirdmerchant 106.

For a second example, the analysis module 154 can determine that aconnection 170 indicates that at least one other customer 102 routinelyconducts a first transaction at the first merchant 106 and, afterconducting the first transaction, conducts a subsequent transaction at asecond merchant 106. The analysis module 154 can further analyze thetransaction information 168 associated with the customer 102 todetermine that the transaction information 168 does not indicate thatthe customer 102 has conducted a transaction with the second merchant106. Based on the connection 170 between the first merchant 106 and thesecond merchant 106, and based on determining that the transactioninformation 168 does not indicate that the customer 102 has conducted atransaction with the second merchant 106, the analysis module 154 candetermine to send the customer 102 a message recommending that thecustomer 102 conduct a subsequent transaction at the second merchant106.

Additionally, for a third example, based on the transaction information168, the analysis module 154 can determine that the customer 102 usuallyconducts transactions at the first merchant 106 followed by conductingsubsequent transactions at a second merchant 106, where the secondmerchant 106 is associated with a specific type of business. Theanalysis module 154 can then identify a connection 170 that indicatesthat at least one other customer 102 conducts transactions at the firstmerchant 106 followed by conducting transactions at a third merchant106, where the third merchant 106 is also associated with the specifictype of business. Based on the connection 170 between the first merchant106 and the third merchant 106, and based on the first merchant 106 andthe third merchant 106 being associated with the specific type ofbusiness, the analysis module 154 can determine to send the customer 102a message recommending that the customer 102 conduct a subsequenttransaction at the third merchant 106.

In addition to using the information associated with the customer 102 torecommend merchant(s) 106, the analysis module 154 can use informationassociated each of the one or more other merchant(s) 106 to determinewhich merchant(s) 106 to recommend to the customer 102. For example, theanalysis module 154 can recommend a merchant 106 that includes thehighest customer rating among the one or more merchant(s) 106. Foranother example, the analysis module 154 can recommend merchant(s) 106that are within a threshold distance (e.g., a bock, a mile, ten miles,etc.) of a location associated with the first merchant 106 and/or alocation associated with the customer 102 (e.g., the address of thecustomer 102, the location of a customer device 104 associated with thecustomer 102, etc.). Still, for another example, the analysis module 154can recommend merchant(s) 106 that provide similar categories ofitem(s)/service(s) 172 and/or related item(s)/service(s) 172 as thefirst merchant 106.

For example, the analysis module 154 can identify a connection 170between the first merchant 106 and a second merchant 106 that indicatesthat customer(s) 102 that conduct respective transactions at the firstmerchant 106 subsequently conduct respective transactions at the secondmerchant 106. The analysis module 154 can further identity that thefirst merchant 106 provides item(s)/service(s) 172 that are related toitem(s)/service(s) 172 provided by the second merchant 106. Forinstance, the analysis module 154 can determine that customer(s) 102that purchase the category of item(s)/service(s) 172 provided by thefirst merchant 106 subsequently purchase the category ofitem(s)/service(s) 172 provided by the second merchant 106. Based on theconnection 170, and based on the relationship between theitem(s)/service(s) 172, the analysis module 154 may determine torecommend the second merchant 106.

In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can further communicatewith the one or more other merchant(s) 106 to determine whichmerchant(s) 106 to recommend to the customer 102. For instance, thecomputing device(s) 112 can send messages (e.g., electroniccommunications) to each of the one or more other merchant(s) 106 thatindicate that the computing device(s) 112 is going to recommendmerchant(s) 106 to the customer 102. In some instances, the messages caneach indicate the connection 170 between the first merchant 106 and therespective merchant(s) 106. In response, the computing device(s) 112 canreceive one or more messages from the merchant(s) 106, where eachmessage requests that the computing device(s) 112 recommend a respectivemerchant 106. The computing device(s) 112 can then determine torecommend the merchant(s) 106 based on the one or more messages.

For example, the computing device(s) 112 can determine which merchant(s)106 to recommend based on an order in which the computing device(s) 112receive the one or more messages from the one or more merchant(s) 106.For instance, the computing device(s) 112 recommend the merchant 106that sends the first message to the computing device(s) 112. For anotherexample, the computing device(s) 112 can determine which merchant 106 torecommend based on bids from the responding merchant(s) 106. Forinstance, when one or more of the merchant(s) 106 respond to thecomputing device(s) 112, the payment service can recommend the merchant106 that bids the highest amount for the recommendation.

After determining at least one merchant 106 to recommend for thesubsequent transaction, the computing device(s) 112 can send the messagethat recommends the merchant 106. In some instances, the computingdevice(s) 112 can send a message 176 to the merchant device(s) 108 ofthe first merchant 106. The merchant device(s) 108 can then receive themessage 176 from the computing device(s) 112 and, in response, providethe message 176 to the customer 102. In some instances, providing themessage 176 can include displaying the message 176 to the customer 102using the display 132. In some instances, providing the message 176 caninclude adding the message 176 to a receipt that is provided to thecustomer 102. For instance, the merchant device(s) 108 may print themessage 176 on a physical receipt, and/or the merchant device(s) 108 mayadd the message 176 to a digital receipt.

In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can send a message 178 tothe customer 102 that recommends the merchant 106. For instance, thecomputing device(s) 112 can use contact information associated with thecustomer 102, such as an email address, telephone number, home address,fax number, or the like, to send the message 178 to the customer 102.For example, if the contact information includes an email address, thecomputing device(s) 112 can generate an email that recommends that thecustomer 102 conduct a subsequent transaction at least one othermerchant 106. The computing device(s) 112 can then send the email to thecustomer 102 using the email address. For another example, if thecontact information includes a telephone number, the computing device(s)112 can generate a text message that recommends that the customer 102conduct a subsequent transaction with at least one other merchant 106.The computing device(s) 112 can then send the text message to thecustomer device 104 using the telephone number.

Still, in some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can send themessage 178 to the customer device 104 via the application executing onthe customer device 104. For instance, as discussed above, the customerdevice 104 may execute an application that provides the customer 102with POS functionality. For instance, the application can provide thecustomer 102 a list of merchant(s) 106, where each of the merchant(s)106 includes a respective account with the computing device(s) 112. Thecustomer 102 can then use the application to conduct transactions withrespective merchant(s) 106. Additionally, the computing device(s) 112can send the message 178 that recommends that the customer 102 conduct asubsequent transaction with at least one other merchant 106 via theapplication. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can send thecustomer device 104 a push notification that recommends the at least oneother merchant 106 via the application.

In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can send the message 178to the customer 102 at one or more determined times. A determined timean include specific time, such as 3:00 a.m. on Monday, or a determinedtime can include a time interval, such as Monday between 3:00 a.m. and5:00 a.m. In some instances, to determine the one or more times, thecomputing device(s) 112 can use the connection(s) 170 between themerchants 106. For instance, the analysis module 154 can analyzetransaction information 168 that indicates a connection 170 between thefirst merchant 106 and a second merchant 106 to determine a timeinterval (e.g., an average time interval) between when at least onecustomer 102 conducts a first transaction at the first merchant 106 andthen conducts a subsequent transaction at the second merchant 106. Thecomputing device(s) 112 can then use the time interval to determine theone or more times for sending the message 178.

For example, the time interval can indicate that the at least onecustomer 102 conducts the subsequent transaction with the secondmerchant 106 within one hour after conducting the first transaction withthe first merchant 106. Based on the time interval, the computingdevice(s) 112 can determine to send the customer 102 one or moremessage(s) 178 within one hour of the customer 102 conducting the firsttransaction at the first merchant 106. For another example, the timeinterval can indicate that the at least one customer 102 conducts thesubsequent transaction with the second merchant 106 within one monthafter conducting the first transaction with the first merchant 106.Based on the time interval, the computing device(s) 112 can determine tosend the customer 102 one or more message(s) 178 within one month of thecustomer 102 conducting the first transaction with the first merchant106.

In some instances, in addition to, or alternatively from, sendingcustomer(s) 102 messages that recommend merchant(s) 106, the computingdevice(s) 112 can further send messages that recommenditem(s)/service(s)/preference(s) for the customer(s) 102. For instance,the connection module 152 can analyze the transaction information 168 togenerate connection(s) 170 between items 172 and/or services 172 thatcustomer(s) 102 acquire from one or more merchant(s) 106. In someinstances, the connection(s) 170 can indicate item(s)/service(s) 172that customer(s) 102 acquire during respective transactions withmerchant(s) 106.

For example, the connection module 152 can analyze the transactioninformation 168 to determine that, during one or more transactions witha first merchant 106, a customer 102 orders a first item/service 172 anda second item/service 172 from the first merchant 106. Based on thedetermination, the connection module 152 can generate a connection 170between the first item/service 172 and the second item/service 172 forthe customer 102. For another example, the connection module 152 cananalyze the transaction information 168 to determine that, duringrespective transactions with merchant(s) 106, customer(s) 102 each ordera first item/service 172 and a second item/service 172 from themerchant(s) 106. Based on the determination, the connection module 152can generate a connection 170 a connection between the firstitem/service 172 and the second item/service 172.

In some instances, the connection module 152 can further analyze thetransaction information 168 to generate connection(s) 170 betweenitem(s)/service(s) 172 and preference(s) for customer(s) 102, wherepreference(s) include any requests made by the customer(s) 102 whenacquiring the item(s)/service(s) 172 from the merchant(s) 106. Forexample, the connection module 152 can analyze the transactioninformation 168 to determine that, during one or more transactions witha first merchant 106, a customer 102 orders an item 172 (e.g., coffee)and provides a preference for the item 172 (e.g., extra cream). Based ondetermination, the connection module 152 can generate a connection 170between the item 172 and the preference for the customer 102. Foranother example, the connection module 152 can analyze the transactioninformation 168 to determine that, during respective transactions withmerchant(s) 106, customer(s) 102 each order an item 172 (e.g., a bagel)and provide a preference for the item 172 (e.g., toasted). Based on thedetermination, the connection module 152 can generate a connection 170between the item 172 and the preference.

The computing device(s) 112 can then use the connection(s) 170 to sendrecommendations to customer(s) 102. For instance, the computingdevice(s) 112 can receive an indication that a customer 102 is orderinga first item 172 from a merchant 106 during a transaction. The analysismodule 154 can then analyze the connection(s) 17099 to identify aconnection 170 that indicates that the customer 102 ordered a seconditem 172 along with the first item 172 from at least one other merchant106 during respective transactions. Based on the connection 170, thecomputing device(s) 112 can either send the merchant device 108 of themerchant 106 a message 174 recommending that the customer 102 order thesecond item 172, or the computing device(s) 112 can send the customerdevice 104 associated with the customer a message 178 recommending thatthe customer 102 order the second item 172 from the merchant 106.

In some instances, before sending the message, the computing device(s)112 can first determine that the customer 102 does not ordinarily orderthe second item 172 from the merchant 106. For instance, the analysismodule 154 can analyze the transaction information 168 and determinethat the transaction information 168 does not indicate that the customer102 has ordered the second item 172 from the merchant 106. Based on thedetermination, the computing device(s) 112 can determine to send themessage recommending the second item 172 to the customer 102.

As discussed above, the analysis module 154 can analyze transactioninformation 168 to determine that a customer 102 has not conducted atransaction with a merchant 106. In some instances, the analysis module154 can make the determination based on determining that the transactioninformation 168 does not describe a transaction between the customer 102and the merchant 106. Additionally or alternatively, in some instances,the analysis module 154 can make the determination based on determiningthat transaction information 168 associated with a profile 166 of themerchant 102 does not describe a transaction between the customer 102and the merchant 106. In other words, in either instance, thetransaction information 168 may indicate that the customer 102 has notconducted a transaction with the merchant 106.

As described herein, memory, such as memory 116, memory 128, and memory142, may be an example of tangible non-transitory computer storage mediaand may include volatile and nonvolatile memory and/or removable andnon-removable media implemented in any type of technology for storage ofinformation such as computer-readable processor-executable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data. The memory may include,but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, solid-statestorage, magnetic disk storage, optical storage, and/or othercomputer-readable media technology. Further, in some cases, theelectronic devices, such as the customer device(s) 104, the merchantdevice(s) 108, and the computing device(s) 112, may access externalstorage, such as RAID storage systems, storage arrays, network attachedstorage, storage area networks, cloud storage, or any other medium thatcan be used to store information and that can be accessed by therespective processor(s) of the electronic devices either directly orthrough another computing device or network. Accordingly, the memory maybe computer storage media able to store instructions, modules orcomponents that may be executed by the processor(s). Further, whenmentioned, non-transitory computer-readable media exclude media such asenergy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

FIG. 2 is an example illustration of a merchant device 108 providing arecommendation to a customer, such as one of customer(s) 102. As shown,the merchant device 108 displays the message 176 to the customer 102.The message 176 includes a recommendation 202 that the customer 102visit Merchant B based on a transaction that the customer 102 isconducting at Merchant A. Additionally, the message 176 includes anoption for the customer 102 to receive a coupon for Merchant B. Forinstance, the customer 102 can select “YES” to receive the coupon fromthe merchant device 108, or the customer 102 can select “NO” to notreceive the coupon from the merchant device 108.

FIG. 3 is an example illustration of a customer device 104 providing arecommendation to a customer, such as one of customer(s) 102. As shown,the customer device 104 displays the message 178 to the customer 102.The message 178 includes a recommendation 302 that the customer 102visit Merchant B based on a previous transaction that the customer 102conducted at Merchant A. Additionally, the message 178 includes anoption for the customer 102 to receive directions to Merchant B. Forinstance, the customer 102 can select “YES” to receive the directions toMerchant B, or the customer 102 can select “NO” to not receive thedirections to Merchant B.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a flow diagram of an example process 400 forperforming data analysis in order generate connection(s) betweenmerchants. The example process 400 further includes sending arecommendation to a customer based on the connection(s). The process400, and other processes described herein, are illustrated ascollections of blocks in logical flow diagrams, which represent asequence of operations, some or all of which can be implemented inhardware, software or a combination thereof. In the context of software,the blocks may represent computer-executable instructions stored on oneor more computer-readable media that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, program the processors to perform the recited operations.Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,objects, components, data structures and the like that performparticular functions or implement particular data types. The order inwhich the blocks are described should not be construed as a limitation.Any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order and/orin parallel to implement the process, or alternative processes, and notall of the blocks need be executed. For discussion purposes, theprocesses are described with reference to the environments,architectures and systems described in the examples herein, although theprocesses may be implemented in a wide variety of other environments,architectures and systems. The process 400, and other processesdescribed herein, may be performed by a payment service (e.g., thecomputing device(s) 112), a merchant device (e.g., merchant device(s)108), a customer device (e.g., customer device 104), an additionalelectronic device, or by a combination thereof.

At 402, the computing device(s) 112 receives transaction information.For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can receive transactioninformation from merchant device(s) associated with respectivemerchant(s). As discussed above, the transaction information can includeboth buyer information and item information that describes transactionsbetween the merchant(s) and customer(s). For instance, the transactioninformation for a respective transaction can indicate an identifier ofthe merchant, an identifier (e.g., name) of the customer, paymentinformation associated with a payment instrument used by the customerduring the respective transaction, item(s)/service(s) acquired by thecustomer during the respective transaction, a cost of theitem(s)/service(s) acquired by the customer during the respectivetransaction, a time, place and date of the respective transaction, andso forth.

At 404, the computing device(s) 112 associate the transactioninformation with one or more profiles. For instance, the computingdevice(s) 112 can associate transaction information describingtransactions that occur at merchant(s) with a respective profileassociated with each of the merchant(s). As such, the profile(s) canthus be associated with buyer information and item information for atleast one transaction. For instance, a profile associated with amerchant can be associated with buyer information indicating identitiesof respective customer(s) that have conducted at least one transactionwith the merchant, payment information associated with paymentinstrument(s) used by the respective customer(s), geographical locationsassociated with the respective customer(s), a time, place, and date ofthe respective transactions, or the like. The profile can furtherinclude item information that indicates item(s)/service(s) acquired bythe respective customer(s) during the respective transactions, and acost of the item(s)/service(s) acquired by the customer(s) during therespective transactions.

At 406, the computing device(s) 112 determine that a first customerconducted a first transaction at a first merchant and at 408, thecomputing device(s) 112 determine that a second customer conducted asecond transaction at the first merchant. For instance, the computingdevice(s) 112 can analyze the transaction information and/or the one ormore profiles to determine that both the first customer and the secondcustomer have conducted respective transactions at the first merchant.In some instances, the analyzing can include identifying a profileassociated with the first merchant, and then analyzing transactioninformation associated with the profile to determine that thetransaction information describes the first transaction with the firstcustomer and the second transaction with the second customer.

At 410, the computing device(s) 112 determine that the first customerconducted a subsequent transaction to the first transaction at a secondmerchant. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can analyze thetransaction information and/or the one or more profiles to determinethat the first customer conducted the subsequent transaction at thesecond merchant. In some instances, the analyzing can includeidentifying a profile associated with the second merchant, and thenanalyzing transaction information associated with the profile todetermine that the transaction information describes the subsequenttransaction. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can use asimilar process to determine that each of a threshold number ofcustomers conducted a first transaction at the first merchant followedby a subsequent transaction at the second merchant.

At 412, the computing device(s) 112 determine that the second customerconducted a subsequent transaction to the third transaction at a thirdmerchant. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can analyze thetransaction information and/or the one or more profiles to determinethat the second customer conducted the subsequent transaction at thethird merchant. In some instances, the analyzing can include identifyinga profile associated with the third merchant, and then analyzingtransaction information associated with the profile to determine thatthe transaction information describes the subsequent transaction.

At 414, the computing device(s) 112 receive an indication that thesecond customer is conducting a third transaction at the first merchant.For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can receive a request toauthorize a payment instrument of the second customer for a cost of thethird transaction. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112receive the request from a merchant device associated with the firstmerchant. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 receive therequest from a customer device associated with the second customer.

At 416, the computing device(s) 112 generate a recommendation that thesecond customer conduct a subsequent transaction to the thirdtransaction at the second merchant. For instance, the computingdevice(s) 112 can analyze the transaction information to identityconnections between the first merchant and at least one other merchant,such as the second merchant. The connections can include generalconnections and interrelated connections. For instance, the computingdevice(s) 112 can identify an interrelated connection between the firstmerchant and the second merchant based on the first customer conductingthe first transaction at the first merchant followed by the subsequenttransaction at the second merchant. The computing device(s) 112 can thengenerate the recommendation based on the connection between the firstmerchant and the second merchant.

In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can utilize one or morefactors to determine whether to generate the recommendation. Forinstance, at 418, the computing device(s) may generate therecommendation when the connection indicates that a threshold number ofcustomers conduct respective transactions at the first merchant followedby respective transactions at the second merchant. Additionally oralternatively, at 420, the computing device(s) 112 may generate therecommendation when the transaction information (and/or a profileassociated with the second merchant) indicates that the second customerhas not conducted a transaction with the second merchant. Additionallyor alternatively, at 422, the computing device(s) 112 may generate therecommendation when there is a business connection between the firstmerchant and the second merchant. For instance, the computing device(s)112 may generate the recommendation based on the first merchant and thesecond merchant providing a similar category of item(s)/service(s)and/or based on the first merchant and the second merchant providingrelated item(s)/service(s).

At 424, the computing device(s) 112 send a message that includes therecommendation. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can sendthe message to the merchant device associated with the first merchant.The merchant device can then receive the message from the computingdevice(s) 112 and provide the message to the customer. In someinstances, the computing device(s) 112 can send the message to thecustomer using contact information associated with the customer. Thecustomer device associated with the customer can then receive themessage from the computing device(s) 112 and provide the message to thecustomer.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example process 500 forgenerating a connection between merchants, and then using the connectionto send a customer a recommendation. At 502, the computing device(s) 112receive transaction information. For instance, the computing device(s)112 can receive transaction information from merchant device(s)associated with respective merchant(s). As discussed above, thetransaction information can include both buyer information and iteminformation that describes transactions between the merchant(s) andcustomer(s).

At 504, the computing device(s) 112 generate, based at least in part onthe transaction information, a connection between a first merchant and asecond merchant. In some instances, the connection can include a generalconnection. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can generate aconnection based on at least one customer conducting respectivetransactions at the first merchant and the second merchant. In someinstances, the connection may include an interrelated connection. Forinstance, the computing device(s) 112 may generate the connection basedon at least one customer conducting a first transaction at the firstmerchant and, after conducting the first transaction, conducting asecond transaction (e.g., subsequent transaction) at the secondmerchant.

At 506, the computing device(s) 112 receive an indication that acustomer is conducting a transaction at the first merchant. Forinstance, the computing device(s) 112 can receive a request to authorizea payment instrument of the customer for a cost of the transaction. Insome instances, the computing device(s) 112 receive the request from amerchant device associated with the merchant. In some instances, thecomputing device(s) 112 receive the request from a customer deviceassociated with the customer.

At 508, the computing device(s) 112 generate, based at least in part onthe connection, a recommendation that the customer conduct a subsequenttransaction at the second merchant. For instance, the computingdevice(s) 112 can determine, based on the connection, that one or morecustomers that conduct respective transactions at the first merchantconduct subsequent transactions at the second merchant. Based on thedetermination, the computing device(s) can generate the recommendationto perform the subsequent transaction at the second merchant. In someinstances, the computing device(s) 112 may further determine that thecustomer has not conducted a transaction at the second merchant, wherethe recommendation is further generated based on the customer notconducting a transaction at the second merchant. In some instances, thecomputing device(s) 112 may further generate the recommendation based ongeographical locations of each of the first merchant and the secondmerchant and/or types of business associated with each of the firstmerchant and the second merchant.

At 510, the computing device(s) 112 send a message that includes therecommendation. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can sendthe message to the merchant device associated with the first merchant.The merchant device can then receive the message from the computingdevice(s) 112 and provide the message to the customer. In someinstances, the computing device(s) 112 can send the message to thecustomer using contact information associated with the customer. Thecustomer device associated with the customer can then receive themessage from the computing device(s) 112 and provide the message to thecustomer.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example process 600 forgenerating connections between merchants. At 602, the computingdevice(s) 112 analyze transaction information. For instance, thecomputing device(s) 112 can receive transaction information frommerchant devices of respective merchants, where in the transactioninformation describes transactions between merchants and customers. Thecomputing device(s) 112 can then analyze the transaction informationusing one or more algorithms that identify one or more similaritiesbetween transactions that are described by the transaction information.For instance, the one or more algorithms can identify transactions thatinclude a similar merchant, a similar customer, similar paymentinformation associated with a payment instrument used by the customer,similar item(s)/service(s) acquired by the customer, a similar cost ofthe item(s)/service(s) acquired by the customer, a similar time, placeand date, and so forth.

At 604, the computing device(s) 112 identify a relationship between afirst merchant and an additional merchant. For instance, based on theone or more similarities, the computing device(s) 112 can identify therelationship between the first merchant and a second merchant. In someinstances, the relationship can include that the first merchant and thesecond merchant each conducted a respective transaction with at leastone customer. In some instances, the relationship can include that thefirst merchant and the second merchant each conducted a respectivetransaction with a threshold number of customers.

At 606, the computing device(s) 112 generate a recommendation based atleast in part on the relationship. For example, the computing device(s)112 can generate a general connection based on the first merchant andthe second merchant each conducting a respective transaction with the atleast one customer. For instance, the general relationship can thusindicate that at least one customer has conducted a respectivetransaction with each of the first merchant and the second merchant. Foranother example, the computing device(s) 112 can additionally, oralternatively, generate an interrelated connection based on the firstmerchant and the second merchant each conducting a respectivetransaction with the at least one customer, and based on an order inwhich the respective transactions were conducted. For instance, theinterrelated connection can indicate that at least one customer hasconducted a first transaction at the first merchant and, afterconducting the first transaction, conducted a subsequent transaction atthe second merchant.

At 608, the computing device(s) determine whether there are anyadditional relationships between the first merchant and at least oneadditional merchant. For instance, based on the one or moresimilarities, the computing device(s) 112 can determine whether thereare any additional relationships between the first merchant and at leastone additional merchant. If at 610 the computing device(s) 112 determinethere is at least one additional similarity, the computing device(s) 112can begin back at step 604 in order to generate another connection. Forinstance, the computing device(s) 112 can identify a relationshipbetween the first merchant and a third merchant, and then generate aconnection between the first merchant and the third merchant based onthe relationship.

However, if at 610 the computing device(s) 112 determine there are noadditional similarities, the process 700 ends at 612. In some instances,at 612, the computing device(s) 112 stop analyzing the transactioninformation. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 may thenagain analyze the transaction information after the occurrence of anevent. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 may again analyze thetransaction information after receiving additional transactiondescribing another transaction, after a specific timer interval, inresponse to receiving input, and/or the like.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example process 700 forperforming data analysis in order generate a connection between items,and then sending a recommendation to a customer based on the connection.At 702, the computing device(s) 112 receive transaction informationassociated with a first transaction between a first merchant and acustomer. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can receivetransaction information from a merchant device associated with the firstmerchant. The transaction information can indicate an identifier of thefirst merchant, an identifier (e.g., name) of the customer, the firstand second items, and so forth.

At 704, the computing device(s) 112 generate, based at least in part onthe first information, a connection between the first item and thesecond item. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can analyze thetransaction information to identity that the first transaction is forthe first item and the second item. The computing device(s) 112 can thengenerate a connection between the first item and the second item. Insome instances, the computing device(s) 112 then store the connection inassociation with an identity of the customer. For instance, thecomputing device(s) 112 can store the connection in association with aprofile of the customer.

At 706, the computing device(s) 112 receive an indication that thecustomer is conducting a second transaction at a second merchant. Forinstance, the computing device(s) 112 can receive a request to authorizea payment instrument of the customer for a cost of the secondtransaction. The request can include at least an identity of the firstitem. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 receive the requestfrom a merchant device associated with the second merchant. In someinstances, the computing device(s) 112 receive the request from acustomer device associated with the customer.

At 708, the computing device(s) 112 determine that the secondtransaction is for the first item and at 710, the computing device(s)112 generates, based at least in part on the connection, arecommendation that the customer acquire the second item from the secondmerchant. For instance, the computing device(s) 112 can determine thatthe second transaction is for the first item based on the indication.For instance, the indication may include an identifier of the firstitem. The computing device(s) 112 can then identity the connection usingan identifier of the first item, and use the connection to generate therecommendation for the customer. In some instances, the computingdevice(s) 112 first determine that the second merchant provides thesecond item and, based on the determination and the connection,generates the recommendation for the customer.

At 710, the computing device(s) 112 send a message that includes therecommendation. In some instances, the computing device(s) 112 can sendthe message to the merchant device associated with the second merchant.The merchant device can then receive the message from the computingdevice(s) 112 and provide the message to the customer. In someinstances, the computing device(s) 112 can send the message to thecustomer using contact information associated with the customer. Thecustomer can then receive the message using a customer device. Based onreceiving the message, the customer device can provide the message tothe customer.

It should be noted that the processes above describe transactions thatoccur at merchant locations of the respective merchants. However, insome instances, the transactions may include transactions at thephysical stores of the merchants, online transactions in which customersare acquiring item(s) and/or service(s) from merchants via onlinemarketplaces associated with the respective merchants, or anycombination thereof. For instance, based on a customer conducting anonline transaction with a merchant, the computing device(s) 112 can sendthe customer one or more messages that recommend a merchant forconducting a subsequent transaction and/or recommend one more additionalitem(s)/service(s).

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms ofimplementing the claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method comprising: receiving transactioninformation associated with a plurality of transactions from a pluralityof point-of-sale (POS) devices associated with a plurality of merchantsthat use the payment-processing system for processing payments, theplurality of POS devices each comprising an instance of a POSapplication that enables a POS device to operate as a POS terminal;processing, by the server device, the plurality of transactions;analyzing, by the server device, the transaction information associatedwith the plurality of transactions; identifying, by the server device, arelationship between a first merchant of the plurality of merchants anda second merchant of the plurality of merchants; generating, by theserver device, a connection between the first merchant and the secondmerchant based at least in part on the relationship; and storing, by theserver device and in a database associated with the payment processingsystem, an indication of the connection between the first merchant andthe second merchant.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:determining, by the server device, that an additional relationshipexists between the first merchant and at least one other merchant of theplurality of merchants; generating, by the server device, a secondconnection between the first merchant and the at least one othermerchant based at least in part on the additional relationship; andstoring, by the server device and in the database, a second indicationof the second connection between the first merchant and the at least oneother merchant.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein analyzing thetransaction information comprises analyzing using one or more algorithmsto identify one or more similarities between one or more transactions ofthe plurality of transactions.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein theone or more similarities comprise one or more of: a similar merchant, asimilar customer, similar payment information associated with a paymentinstrument, one or more similar items acquired by a customer, one ormore similar services acquired by the customer, a similar cost of items,a similar cost of services, a similar time, a similar date, or a similarlocation.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the server deviceidentifies the relationship based at least in part on determining thatthe first merchant and the second merchant conducted respectivetransactions with a threshold number of customers.
 26. The method ofclaim 21, further comprising: generating, by the server device, aninterrelated connection between at least one customer and the firstmerchant and the second merchant, wherein the interrelated connection isbased at least in part an order in which respective transactions withthe at least one customer were conducted at the first merchant and thesecond merchant.
 27. The method of claim 21, further comprising:generating, by the server device and based at least in part on therelationship, a recommendation; and communicating, by the server device,an electronic notification that includes the recommendation to one ormore of a first computing device associated with the first merchant or asecond computing device associated with the second merchant.
 28. Themethod of claim 27, further comprising: determining, based at least inpart on analyzing the transaction information, that a threshold numberof customers conducted transactions at the first merchant followed byconducting transactions at the second merchant, wherein generating therecommendation is further based, at least in part, on determining thatthe threshold number of customers conducted transactions at the firstmerchant followed by conducting transactions at the second merchant. 29.A system comprising: one or more processors; and one or morecomputer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: analyzing, by a server device of a paymentprocessing system, transaction information associated with a pluralityof transactions from a plurality of point-of-sale (POS) devicesassociated with a plurality of merchants that use the payment processingsystem for processing payments; identifying, by the server device, arelationship between a first merchant of the plurality of merchants anda second merchant of the plurality of merchants; generating, by theserver device, a connection between the first merchant and the secondmerchant based at least in part on the relationship; and storing, by theserver device and in a database associated with the payment processingsystem, an indication of the connection between the first merchant andthe second merchant.
 30. The system of claim 29, the operations furthercomprising: determining, by the server device, that an additionalrelationship exists between the first merchant and at least one othermerchant of the plurality of merchants; generating, by the serverdevice, a second connection between the first merchant and the at leastone other merchant based at least in part on the additionalrelationship; and storing, by the server device and in the database, asecond indication of the second connection between the first merchantand the at least one other merchant.
 31. The system of claim 29, whereinanalyzing the transaction information comprises analyzing using one ormore algorithms to identify one or more similarities between one or moretransactions of the plurality of transactions.
 32. The system of claim31, wherein the one or more similarities comprise one or more of: asimilar merchant, a similar customer, similar payment informationassociated with a payment instrument, one or more similar items acquiredby a customer, one or more similar services acquired by the customer, asimilar cost of items, a similar cost of services, a similar time, asimilar date, or a similar location.
 33. The system of claim 29, whereinthe server device identifies the relationship based at least in part ondetermining that the first merchant and the second merchant conductedrespective transactions with a threshold number of customers.
 34. Thesystem of claim 29, the operations further comprising: generating, bythe server device, an interrelated connection between at least onecustomer and the first merchant and the second merchant, wherein theinterrelated connection is based at least in part an order in whichrespective transactions with the at least one customer were conducted atthe first merchant and the second merchant.
 35. The system of claim 29,the operations further comprising: generating, by the server device andbased at least in part on the relationship, a recommendation; andcommunicating, by the server device, an electronic notification thatincludes the recommendation to one or more of a first computing deviceassociated with the first merchant or a second computing deviceassociated with the second merchant.
 36. The system of claim 35, theoperations further comprising: determining, based at least in part onanalyzing the transaction information, that a threshold number ofcustomers conducted transactions at the first merchant followed byconducting transactions at the second merchant, wherein generating therecommendation is further based, at least in part, on determining thatthe threshold number of customers conducted transactions at the firstmerchant followed by conducting transactions at the second merchant. 37.A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructionsexecutable by the one or more processors associated with a paymentprocessing system, wherein the instructions program the one or moreprocessors to: analyze transaction information associated with aplurality of transactions from a plurality of point-of-sale (POS)devices associated with a plurality of merchants that use the paymentprocessing system for processing payments; identify a relationshipbetween a first merchant of the plurality of merchants and a secondmerchant of the plurality of merchants; generate a connection betweenthe first merchant and the second merchant based at least in part on therelationship; and store, in a database associated with the paymentprocessing system, an indication of the connection between the firstmerchant and the second merchant.
 38. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 37, wherein analyzing the transactioninformation comprises analyzing using one or more algorithms to identifyone or more similarities between one or more transactions of theplurality of transactions.
 39. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 38, wherein the one or more similarities comprise one ormore of: a similar merchant, a similar customer, similar paymentinformation associated with a payment instrument, one or more similaritems acquired by a customer, one or more similar services acquired bythe customer, a similar cost of items, a similar cost of services, asimilar time, a similar date, or a similar location.
 40. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 37, wherein the one ormore processors identify the relationship based at least in part ondetermining that the first merchant and the second merchant conductedrespective transactions with a threshold number of customers.